Star Blocks for a Soldier part 2

In my recent post about John'aLee from The Scrappy Appleyard, I described her request for star blocks to make quilts for her grieving daughter Tori, and the family of her fiance', Chris ~ a fallen soldier.

John'aLee would appreciate star blocks in muted colors of red, blue, and white.

I used a pattern from Sew We Quilt by guest blogger, Jennifer, called Starflower.  I liked the ease of the pattern and especially thought the name was suitable ~ a compound word that seems to come together and relate to each person of the couple.

I've had the pieces cut and ready for a few days, and now that my glass class is behind me, I was able to focus on some sewing.  The tutorial was concise and easy to follow.  Here's the first one I made.

I haven't made too many blocks, but after making 6 Jacob's Ladder blocks (thanks to my terrific quilt mentor, Freda), this one seemed a bit easier.

You still have time to contribute if you'd like, as John'aLee would like to receive them by the end of October.

I plan to make a few more and send them on to John'aLee next week at

The Scrappy Appleyard

3218 Knobview Drive

Nashville, TN  37214

My thoughts and prayers are with Tori and all the families.

Road Trip!

What a great joy to meet Freda in person again after so many years!  Thanks to her gracious invitation, I have a great foundation in beginning my first quilt, a Jacob's Ladder Quilt, which is the choice for her QAL.

She showed me some shortcut cutting techniques 

(my table ~ her tools are more fancy ;=)

and how to arrange the pieces for the block. 

the secret code to opening and ironing seams and intersections when you have so many,

and vi-ola! I have my first JL quilt block!  (Welp, my first THREE; only one pictured)  Looky!

Imperfect, but not too shabby for the first try.

We started out this wonderful day stroking fabric at her LQSs and lunch with another friend, then returned to her home to cut and sew the afternoon away.  And later she made a delicious soup to squelch the damp chill in the air! 

My wonderful hostess and mentor suggested that I clean and oil the old machine I have on hand (with gratitude to my sister and her MIL).  I came home the next day and by Monday I was able to get the "Vogue Stitch" machine rockin'!


Still having trouble with the feed dogs, as they refuse to run all the time, and I oiled them puppies good!  Maybe my Missy cat in the room has them troubled?

Nah.  The Fabric Ferry looks harmless ta me.

Well looks like I'll be taking over a corner in the guest bedroom...already did!  (I'll post pics of it next time.)  And ~ tada! I was able to make another block!

With pieces for another ready to go.  Yes, I do love my purple magnetic pin cushion.

More cutting/sewing/ironing play tomorrow ~ I'm hooked!  Thank you Freda!

 

Impera Magna n me (gee I'm short)